As with the spring 2020 semester, Colorado State University will allow students a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grading option for fall 2020 classes only. 

Announced via an email from the Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President Dec. 4, this decision expands student’s grading options during the pandemic. 

“To address some of the extraordinary challenges resulting from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, (CSU) will offer undergraduate students the option of Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U) grading instead of a traditional grade (A-F) for fall 2020 courses,” the email reads.

Withdrawing from required courses can delay progress toward timely graduation, which can be costly in both the short and long term. Students should fully explore the consequences of withdrawing from courses with their academic advisor.” -email from the Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President

The email stresses to students that they should read all requirements and exceptions for S/U grading and weigh the pros and cons the email provides.

Students can chose an S for courses in which they have received a C or above and a U for courses in which they have received a D or F. Students will not receive credit for courses in which they choose a U grade, and neither a S or U grade will count toward a student’s grade point average, according to the email. 

The S/U option is available to students through RAMweb at the end of the semester, and changing a course to this grading option must be done between Dec. 23-29. 

CSU is also offering a late course withdrawal option, allowing students to withdraw from a course by Dec. 11, the last day of classes. This can be done through the Office of the Registrar, according to the email, and cannot be done later than Dec. 11 except through the typical withdrawal appeal process. 

“Withdrawing from required courses can delay progress toward timely graduation, which can be costly, in both the short and long term,” the email reads. “Students should fully explore the consequences of withdrawing from courses with their academic advisor.”

The email suggests students considering the S/U option meet with their academic advisors before 5 p.m. on Dec. 22, as University offices will be closed Dec. 23-27. 

For more information on the implications of S/U grading, students should fully review the email or consult their academic advisor. 

Serena Bettis can be reached at news@collegian.com or on Twitter @serenaroseb.